When Scott Bramer purchased the Miss Wakefield Diner in Sanbornville, New Hampshire in 1998, it was the culmination of years and years of dreams. After more than 25 years in the restaurant business, he felt fulfilled. But why did fulfillment equal ownership of a diner? Wouldn’t most successful restaurateurs prefer a five star establishment or a trendy steakhouse?

“A diner is something everyone relates to,” Bramer explains. “People of all socio-economic backgrounds come to eat at the diner. From the very wealthy to the guy with a roll of quarters—they all come and eat hearty meals and enjoy friendly conversations.”

Ample portions of home cooking are piled high, as the delicious aromas waft amongst the booths and counter with stools. Two waitpersons hustle back and forth—from the customers to the coffee pots to the kitchen.

“I have great help,” says Bramer as he looks on. “I hire good people and they tend to stay for quite a while. I don’t believe in minimum wage, so I pay fairly well.”

Josh Pino is a fairly new employee, but already seems right at home. He already has a repertoire of regular customers who have become a part of his daily life.

“I see lots of regulars,” he says. “It’s great to talk with them every morning. Some of them are hilarious. It really adds something to my day.”

Ashley Hall has served customers at the Miss Wakefield Diner for more than two years. She loves the diner, the staff, and the diversity of patrons.

“I see a lot of new faces every day,” she says.

The Miss Wakefield Diner is one of only 22 operational diners manufactured under the name of Jerry Mahoney. Mahoney actually invented the diner. This particular unit originated in Albany, New York, and went under the name of its owners—Pat and Bob. Pat and Bob’s Diner was established in 1949 and ran until their retirement in 1968.

The diner eventually was abandoned in a junkyard in Albany. Interim owners purchased it and refurbished it and hauled it north to Sanbornville, New Hampshire. This quaint New Hampshire region heads straight toward the illustrious White Mountain Range and the many delights of that region. Within the immediate vicinity are a plethora of antique shops, crafts stores, and seasonal roadside stands selling maple syrup or fresh vegetables.

Miss Wakefield experiences her busiest season from May 1 to October 15. Scott Bramer’s average workday runs from 4:30 AM to 4:30 PM this time of year. During the summer months 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM is more like the norm.

From its Route 16 location, passersby include lake-bound families in the summer, leaf peepers and hunters in the fall, and of course skiers all winter long.

This year Bramer and his wife Grace—whoowns the gift shop adjacent to the diner—are taking some much-needed time off.

“We’re closing the diner from November 1through the 26th,” he says. “Running a dineris a 7 day a week thing. You’re always working.”

This hiatus from cooking, cleaningand customers will be the first vacationthe Bramer’s have taken for a long, long time.

“It’s been fourteen years since I’ve even had an entire 7 days off,” he says.

Yet despite the arduous tasks involved in running a diner, Bramer wears his happiness on his sleeve. While flipping pancakes or turning omelets—of which he claims they sell “massive amounts” he is animated. Hard work becomes him. He owns and operates a successful business that has withstood what he considers a healthy test of time.

“When things get tough economically, my business increases,” Bramer explains. “More expensive restaurants tend to experience a decline, but not so with diners. Almost everyone has been to a diner and nearly everyone enjoys them.”

The well-fed customers at the Miss Wakefield Diner do indeed seem satiated. After home cooked specials like American Chop Suey or Liver and Onions with Gravy—or perhaps a juicy cheeseburger with French Fries—what more could a person want or need?

“Apple crisp,” is Scott Bramer’s matter-of-fact answer.

It’s the best selling and most popular homemade dessert at the Miss Wakefield Diner.

The Miss Wakefield Diner is located in the village of Sanbornville in the town of Wakefield on Route 16 in New Hampshire.

About the author: Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her “Freelancing Later in Life Writer’s Workshop” has been presented throughout the country. Visit Kim at www.kimberlyripley.writergazette.com.